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How much bonito can my cat with kidney disease safely eat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 18 years and 8 months old | 9.5 lbs

Hi earlier I spoke with Petco Pet Education Center about an opinion on trying bonito flakes on my cats kidney food in hopes of getting him to eat it. My vet says he’s in early stages of kidney trouble and trying the kidney food would help. If the Bonito flakes help him to eat the kidney diet, what is a safe amount to use? Because I read Bonito flakes are hi in protein and that’s not good for aging kidneys right? Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on September 22nd, 2018

Calorie intake is extremely important in cats with kidney disease and although high protein (and salt) levels are a consideration as the kidneys need to actively excrete the protein by-products, a tiny sprinkle of bonito in order to tempt his appetite are highly unlikely to aggravate his condition and a good appetite for a wet kidney diet will be a huge advantage to long term management of his condition and will delay progression and improve wellbeing
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 22nd, 2018

    Hi there. The bonito flakes won't hurt Tony, and it's worth a try. I would try both Science Diet and Royal Canin kidney foods and see if you can get him to like one. You can mix it for sure with his current food, I would do a 10:90 % ratio of new:old for 3 weeks, then increase by 5-10% weekly. Cats are so picky it's not easy.

    As far as Calcitriol, I would speak with your vet and determine if that's a good strategy based on his kidney values.

    I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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